Last day in Mongolia

Today is Elsie and my last day in Mongolia. We have already had our last night in Mongolia. Our plane flies out just after midnight tonight.

Saying our goodbyes to dearly loved ones is always difficult. Just this morning I received a text from Byambaa who wanted to see us so badly and say goodbye; however, she is sick and cannot go out today. Regrettably she lives some distance from the city, so I cannot go see her before I leave.

I said good bye to several yesterday whom I do not anticipate seeing again for some time. Already some, like Aya, have gone before us to glory.

I'll post some prayer requests to this blog later today or tomorrow depending on when I find some free time. Thank you all who prayed for us on this trip.

some more prayer requests

I talked to Ganpurev on the phone yesterday and wanted to update you all on how they are doing.

The Sunday service was well-attended. It's their first Sunday without me in several years. I think that the church will do just fine. However, we need to continue to pray for their growth and that they would reach out to others. Ganchimeg mentioned at prayer meeting last week that they hope to reach out to their neighbors in the area immediately surrounding the church. We have had activities to reach out to the community previously, but such outreaches were initiated by me. So it is particularly encouraging to me to hear that the Mongolians comprehend their responsibility to preach the Gospel to their neighbors. I am convinced that they will do a better job than I did of presenting our Savior to their fellow Mongolians.

In family news, Ganpurev said that Ulzee is out of the hospital and doing better. But Aya has been doing poorly. She has been on morphine for some months now. The news Ganpurev had for me was that Aya is in a good deal of pain even though she is taking powerful painkillers. There are several other indications that Aya's health is deteriorating. So pray for Ganpurev and his family as they care for Aya.

Picture of the week

Many of you have been praying with us for Aya. Kristie and I visited last Saturday and took this picture while we were there.

Aya's health

Aya's health is starting to deteriorate again. For several months she's been relatively stable. She did start taking morphine for the pain some time ago.

Yesterday, she had some external bleeding. The cancer is beginning to "come out" the doctors informed Ganpurev. Aya's pain is also increasing. Please pray that through this Ganpurev, Ulzee, and Aya would be filled with all the fullness of God and the love of Christ.

Deans' weekly update

We could not continue our ministry in Mongolia without the grace of God. Your prayers and support are one method that God pours out His grace upon us. We have been very busy and pulled in many directions recently. I would like to give you a few prayer requests to bring to our loving heavenly Father as you pray this week.

Kristie and I saw Aya on Saturday and are amazed at her good spirits considering that she has terminal cancer. Every time that we see her she is thanking the Lord. She is grateful to all those of you who are praying for her, as well.

Another lady, Ganchimeg, is in the hospital this week. She's been having heart trouble. Often her heart beats as fast as 120 beats per minute. She is only 30 years old. Please pray for her, her husband Baysaa, and her three children.

Deans' weekly update

The family has been finishing up school and begun to put away all the school things. I have been busy with my Bible institute class on the Life of Christ. I have enjoyed putting the class together. Church attendance has been down because there have been many people sick.

We praise the Lord that Aya is still with us. She grows weaker bit by bit. But every time that I go to see her she has a good attitude and sweet spirit. I know that her poor health weighs on Ganpurev and Ulzee. God has been so good to give that whole family grace for every need. Keep praying for them.

Some prayer requests

Ganpurev spent much of yesterday seeking medical attention for Aya, his mother-in-law. She is not doing well. I don't understand all the medical terms that he is using, but it seems to me that the cancer is starting to severely affect the regular functioning of her body. It is a testimony to God's grace that she has been with us as long as she has. Pray with us that God would give grace to the family and peace. Also, pray for Aya to be comfortable.

Tomorrow, Enkhtuul expects a decision to be handed down from the judge regarding her husband's request for a divorce. For us who have been praying for her, it seems like the moment of crisis. Legally speaking, there is no reason that the judge should not grant the divorce as I understand Mongolian law (which is to say, I don't). Let's pray that regardless of the judge's decision Enkhtuul will have peace. Also, pray for her husband Ganbayar to desire to return to his family.

Yesterday's post

Yesterday's post may have caused some consternation among those of you who follow my blog and ministry. You may be wondering who are these folks that have passed away recently.

The first person to pass on to eternity was Bob's sister who is only a few years older than I am. I found out last Wednesday when he came to borrow some tables and chairs to accomodate the folks that would be visiting. His sister felt poorly Tuesday night, went to the hospital, and was gone by Wednesday afternoon.

That same day, Dashka's uncle passed away. I am not sure how old he was; but knowing his mother's approximate age, I think it is fair to guess that Dashka's uncle was about my parent's age.

Yesterday, Ganchimeg's aunt passed away. She was in her 50's, went in for surgery on her neck, and did not survive the surgery. It was very tragic and unexpected.

Aya is still with us. I am amazed at the mercy & grace of God to preserve her for us all this time. Please pray for Ganpurev, Ulzee, and Aya as they continue to serve the Lord.

However, Ganpurev called me this morning to tell me that a friend of his who is about our age also passed away suddenly. I had met Amraa once or twice years ago. He is a fellow who grew up with Ganpurev but was a heavy drinker. After Ganpurev became a Christian he found himself spending less and less time with Amraa who encouraged him to drink. But it is very tragic to see so many people not much older than me lose their life so unexpectedly.

Pray that God would use these reminders of the uncertainty of life to draw Mongolians to Himself!

A visit to Aya's

The family and I were able to visit Ganpurev's house earlier this week and saw Aya while we were there. She seemed in really good health. We were able to get a few pictures of her while we were there. This one included Aya with her great granddaughter Nandinbileg.

Aya update

Kristie and I went up to see Aya today. We had heard that she wasn't sleeping well or eating well and were concerned about her. We imagined that she was lying in bed, half-conscious.

So you can imagine our surprise today when we entered her little house and found her cleaning. She told us that she had been lying in bed earlier in the week but felt good today. She talked with us and laughed and told us much news about her family. We smiled and laughed with her. It was so encouraging to see her in good spirits.

She's looking forward to the Mongolians' Lunar New Year's celebrations. Many people will be coming to visit her.

One of her visitors will most likely be Kristie's father. They will be coming on the second day of the Lunar New Year and stay for almost two weeks. We are looking forward to their visit.

Deans' weekly update

Some weeks just seem to have more things that "happen" than others. God has been teaching me that He is in charge, He has a plan, and His plan is always best.

I begin by asking you to pray for Ganpurev, Ulzee, Aya, and the rest of the family. Aya is slowly losing her strength. Ganpurev and his family have been such a good support to her. I pray that God will bless them with grace and peace for the days ahead. I recall last summer that I doubted whether she would make it a month. And yet, she still holds on.

My family's problems do not seem like anything at all when compared to Aya's poor health. However, last week flu symptoms ripped through our family and laid many of us low. It started with Charissa and then began to afflict the rest of the family. Charissa, Emily, and Kristie were all down last week. Kristie is still not feeling well at the start of this new week. Of course, when mom is sick, it seems to slow the whole family down. And yet, despite being slowed by personal sickness and the sickness of my family, the peace of God ruled in my heart. I do not recall feeling anxious or hurried or harried. Isn't our God good?

I visited Togsoo and Gantoya in their new home this past week and rejoiced when I heard that they want to re-start their home Bible studies. Togsoo lost his mother and an older brother in a few short months. He has not been reading his Bible; has not been coming to church; has not been his normal, exuberant self. I also had a chance to visit Dashka's mother and introduce her to the person of salvation: Jesus Christ. Please pray for the seed that was planted to grow into saving faith.

Brief update

Aya went into the hospital yesterday. She had resisted going into the hospital for a long time. It's a hospice hospital that provides end-of-life care. But it is run by Christians who believe that there is hope in Jesus Christ. So that's a positive.

This week is marks one year since Dashka's wife Tonga passed away. I met with him yesterday to pray. He's certainly feeling her absence.

Please pray for both of these people that God would comfort and sustain them in their weakness.

Pray about…

Some quick things that I would ask you to pray about.

A lady who attends our English service has a regular Bible study at the ladies' prison near town. She has arranged for the choir to head out there and sing this Thursday. She also asked me to preach to the ladies following the choir. Pray for wisdom and boldness for me.

Dashka went into the hospital today. He's not been well since he was beat up some weeks ago. Please pray for his recovery.

Aya is also becoming weaker and experiencing more pain. I thank the Lord that He has graciously left her with us for this long. I'll be heading there today to see her. Pray for her to have peace and relief from her pain.

Some more updates

I know that many of you are praying for Aya who has cancer. She has been in a lot of pain recently. Doctors prescribed a more powerful pain-killer, but Ganpurev has been unable to locate a pharmacy that even seems aware that the prescribed pain-killer exists. Dashka has been helping him.

Also, Dashka came Sunday without his children. His older daughter had a basketball practice or tournament. His older son had a chess club to attend. His younger son and daughter were both sick. His younger son, however, told him that because he missed last Sunday, he must go to church this Sunday. Keep praying for Dashka to have wisdom as he raises his children.

Kristie and I met with a Mongolian couple who is looking for a Baptist church. It is the first time I remember a Mongolian ever coming to me looking for a Baptist church. They heard about Daniel Elliott through the Internet, and Daniel kindly introduced them to us. We had an fascinating visit with them. They certainly know the Bible well. We have already scheduled a Bible study at their house next Tuesday. Kristie and I would like to see them join Faith Baptist Church and participate in its ministries. Pray for wisdom as we seek to integrate them into the church.

Update on Aya

Many of you have been praying for Aya. My parents, Kristie, and I went to visit her this past weekend. She is having trouble walking; her doctor told the family that it is because her cancer is beginning to effect her legs. She remains in good spirits despite her increasing disability.

She was recently able to attend an extended family gathering. At first she did not want to go because of her fragility. But Ganpurev and another family member talked her into going. She so enjoyed herself.

Every time that I visit Aya I am encouraged. Despite becoming weaker and weaker as her body succumbs to cancer, she remains cheerful. Every time I go over, she has a testimony of faith in Jesus Christ to share. My prayer for Aya is that her strong testimony of faith in Jesus Christ will have a lasting impact on her relatives.

Deans' weekly update: Aya

Our God is good, all the time. However, as finite humans we do not always understand His goodness, mercy, and grace to us. Recently, we have experienced God's goodness in a particular way and wish to thank Him.

Kristie and I visited Aya last week. At the beginning of August, I doubted whether she would still be with us. Sleeping, eating, talking—she had cut back to nearly nothing on all three. Her cancer had caused a blockage that prevented normal bodily function. Since a doctor inserted a catheter to provide relief she has been noticeably better. When we visited last week, she was talking and smiling just as she used to do. She praised the Lord for her health.

As a Christian, it is so refreshing to see God give peace to His children. Despite a poor prognosis, Aya has maintained a good spirit and even has been telling her other daughter Tonga that she needs to pray because God answers prayer.

Yes, the doctors have provided some relief. But the Lord has given emotional and spiritual relief. We had been praying that Aya would be with us until her newest granddaughter was born. Nandinbileg is now over a month old and healthy, and Aya shows no signs of leaving us anytime soon. We praise the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men.

Deans' weekly update

August is usually a slow month for us. I would be dissembling to say that there are many things to tell you.

Ulzee had her baby girl Tuesday night by Caesarean section. Pray for her recovery and the health of her newborn. Aya had a catheter installed to allow her bladder to empty because the cancer has completely blocked her urinary tract. Since having the catheter placed, Aya seems to be doing marginally better.

This past Sunday there were three people who arrived early to the church meeting. All three of them were men, and all three had children with them. One was a widower, and the other two had wives that were indisposed. Despite excuses to not come, all three were there; and all three helped out with the service. As the prelude began to play, one of them bowed his head and spent some time in silent prayer. A missionary longs to see nationals develop a relationship with God that is vital and consistent. Here were three men that are doing that, I believe. Pray with me for more men to be saved and willing to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

Deans' weekly update

I listened to a sermon last month that encouraged me to thank God for the pressures of life that conform me to the image of His Son. Rather than become discouraged or cynical, I have been attempting to thank God for the many pressures. Please do not misunderstand as I share these pressures with you and do not feel pity for us. We are in the middle of God's will, doing what He has asked of us, and amazed that He uses us. But we do need your prayers.

This past Friday morning facing a multitude of difficulties, I reached out to some dear friends for help and wrote, "the pressure is too great for me today." But it was not a cry of despair but rather an admission of weakness. Because God is teaching me that in my weakness and inadequacy, being yielded to His Holy Spirit brings strength.

It seemed to me that I lacked the time and energy to meet the demands placed on me for Friday. But as I did each task and focused on what was next, God opened up a way. This past weekend, I accomplished all that God gave me to do. All the glory goes to Him because I did not think that it was possible. So first, thank God with me for His goodness, mercy, and grace on this past weekend.

A few prayer requests: Aya's body continues to weaken at the same time that her daughter Ulzee comes closer and closer to delivering her baby. The fleshly response of fear would tell me that Ulzee's baby and her mother's passing would occur at the worst possible time. But I have no fear. All circumstances are in God's hand. He controls them and will only allow those that we are able to bear by His grace and those pressures that will conform us to the image of His Son. God is good all the time.

Kristie has still not completely recovered from her recent illness. Please pray for her to have strength and energy. My allergies have become an impetus for more prayer and Bible reading. That is a good result. Charissa's pain turned out to be an abscessed tooth. That has been treated. However, the dentist is now recommending that we have her wisdom teeth removed soon. Please pray for wisdom as we seek the right oral surgeon in Mongolia to perform this task.

Deans' weekly update

Let me begin by saying: may the Lord be praised for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men. The burdens are heavy upon us but the Lord's grace is sufficient for every need.

First off, Aya is not doing well. She has not been eating or sleeping much of late. Ulzee, who is preparing to have her baby any day now, is properly concerned about her mother. Ganpurev is doing all he can to be a help. But at this point there is only so much they can do. Their daughter Nyamkaa is struggling mightily with allergies.

Second, Ganchimeg has still not recovered from the recent birth of her daughter. She has been walking with a funny gait. She saw the doctor today who told her she needed to have an X-ray to make sure that her bones were undamaged.

Our family has also had some health struggles the last few weeks. Kristie, Charissa, and I in particular have been sick or in pain for one reason or another. We are hoping to have Charissa's wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible, Kristie needs your prayers, and my allergies which seemed nearly gone last month are back and very troublesome. Pray that we will rest in God's grace as we deal with our physical ailments.

Pray for wisdom as we interact with missionaries both new and old in Mongolia. Our desire is to be a blessing to them and encourage them in their service for the Lord.

Deans' weekly update

Last weekend was our church camp. This usually is well-attended with many non-members and unsaved folks joining us in the countryside for a weekend. However, this year we had only one visitor: Gantsetseg's unsaved husband Erka (think of the English female name Erica). He joined us unexpectedly at the last hour, literally.

We took the train to camp this year and when we arrived at the train station we discovered that another church of close persuasion was also heading to the same camp. We shared our meals, shared fellowship, and took turns preaching. I know my family enjoyed the escape from the city, the fresh air, and the beautiful landscape.

For me, the best news about camp was that the Mongolians handled almost all the planning and direction by themselves. This led to some interesting last minute proposals (to be posted shortly); but it also proved to the Mongolians that they can do it. After all, this is their church and what happens to it eventually depends on them.

This week I would ask you to pray for Ganchimeg. She gave birth about a week and a half ago to a healthy ten-pound baby. She seemingly had an uneventful labor but must have injured something because as of this writing, she cannot walk forward without much pain. So the little walking she does is backward holding onto someone who walks facing her. The doctors told her she would heal with time and prescribed a month of bed rest. But those of you who are mothers with several little children know how hard it is to stay in bed. Pray that she heals completely and quickly. And pray for patience for the family as she heals.

Aya is progressively weakening. Her deteriorating condition worries her daughter Ulzee. We know God is at work in all these things and praise Him for His faithfulness. All of us need strength, wisdom, and perseverance as our loving Father works according to His good pleasure.